UK Government appoints panel of faith experts

The UK government has appointed a panel of thirteen representative from faith communities, to act as a sounding board on effective engagement with faith communities. The press release is here

There is already a Faith Communities Consultative Council, but it appears that Minister John Denham is looking for a range of expert advisors. He says:

"This new panel brings together an unprecedented wealth of knowledge and experience that will help advise on the big issues facing society such as the economy, parenting, achieving social justice and tackling climate change."

A prophetic figure in troubled times

Cardinal Cahal Daley who died last week was an important public figure in Northern Ireland at the time of the Troubles. He was a passionate, outspoken advocate of non-violent reconciliation, unafraid of controversy. His life is celebrated in this account of his funeral today.

Civil society and religion in dialogue

The European Union's Lisbon treaty provided for "open transparent and regular dialogue with churches, religious associations and secular groups as part of the consultative processes at work within the life of the EU. This recognises the evolving role of religion in the diverse multi-cultural nature of the European population today. The same can also be said about developments in UK government policies of the past decade.

The growth of secular idealism envisaged the decline of religion as a major influence in the public domain and its retreat into the personal and domestic realm. The influx of Muslims into all the countries of the EU, sharing with Christians an understanding of the importance of citizenship in the life of faith, has led to a policy re-think, in the light of a desire to develop a more inclusive society, resistant to intolerance and internal conflict.

Reuters has posted a useful introductory article here

Archbishop Rowan's New Year message

The Archbishop of Canterbury reflects on a decade of global crises and suffering, speaks about the need for global solidarity.

Read about it here

Find the video and the text here

Archbishop's anti-fascist stance

Archbishop Barry Morgan denounces the claims of the British National Party leader Nick Griffin that its uphold Christian values in its scapegoating of Muslims living in Britain.

Read about it here

Archbishop of Wales' Christmas challenge

Archbishop Barry Morgan's Christmas message challenges modern 'fundamentalisms' and attempts to diffuse or displace the Christian character and content of the festive season.

Read about it here

Earlier in December British Member of Parliament Mark Pritchard, also spoke out about what he calls 'Christianophobia', raising debate about the Christian character of the foundations of British society.

Read about this here

Spiritual Capital - Lambeth style

The Archbishop of Canterbury hosts an interfaith gathering at Lambeth Palace, to launch 'Inter-faith Week', an initiative of the Interfaith trust aiming to highlight the contributions made by faith communities to benefit society as a whole.

A statement of common commitment was signed by religious leaders present to continue building good inter religious relations and to contribute to the common good from different religious perspectives. This builds on the precedent of the Millennium Act of Commitment, a shared act of reflection and commitment by the Faith Communities of the United Kingdom, in the year 2000.

Read about the event and see the statement here